Photometers Sat 6 Nov /11/1431

 Light emissions of alkali and alkaline earth metal elements are measured with flame photometry.  To this purpose, the measuring substance diluted in water is distributed as a fine aerosol into a non-luminous flame using an atomizer.  During this process, the flame lights up due to the excitation of the individual atoms.  The more atoms available, the greater the amount of radiated light. Therefore, the concentration of the measuring solution can be calculated by measuring the brightness of the flame.  Every element has a characteristic light color, i.e., it radiates specifically defined wavelengths, determined by thestructure of the atom.

 As several elements are available in the sample, the flame radiates a light mixture. With the aid of optical filters, the light  from the desired element is isolated and transferred to a photodiode which converts the light into an electrical signal.  This signal is amplified and digitalized. With the aid of the connected computer, the sample concentration is calculated, displayed and printed out.  Flame photometry is a relative analytical method, i.e., the measuring signal of the unknown sample is compared with the signal of a known standard solution and the sample concentration is calculated based on this.

 As the concentration of Na, K and Ca is too high for direct determination and the matrix would disturb the measurement considerably, all samples are diluted automatically  All samples are diluted with a diluting solution which contains lithium as a reference element. Every change in atomization, air pressure and gas pressure has approximately the same effect on the measuring element (Na, K, Ca) and reference element (Li).  During standard adjustment, the lithium concentration is measured and set to "1". A correction factor is calculated from every lithium modification for correction of the measurement values for each appropriate sample.  The curvature of the calibration graph is stored in the computer for every element and every measured value is corrected in accordance with the calibration fitting.

Front panel controls  Power: A two-position rocker switch which controls the AC supply of the instrument.  Any accessories connected to the auxiliary POWER OUT sockets on the rear panel are also controlled by the front panel power switch.  Ignition: A spring loaded switch which, when depressed, will cause an electrical discharge between the ignition electrode and the burner unit, thereby causing fuel ignition.  d.p.: This switch controls the position of the decimal point.  Fuel: A fine needle valve that controls the flow of fuel and enables optimum flame conditions to be set.

Front panel control  Blank: This control sets zero (or low reading) when a blank standard is aspirated.  Sensitivity: fine and coarse. Two controls which are used in conjunction to set the digital readout to an appropriate number when a calibration standard is aspirated.  Filter select: A five position control which will select the appropriate optical filter for the element being determined. NOTE: positions 1, 2 and 3 will normally be blank unless optional filters (Ca, Ba or Li respectively) have been fitted.

Rear panel control  Voltage selection: A two-position switch marked 230 and 115. These positions allow operation from voltage supplies volts and volts respectively at either 50 or 60Hz.  WARNING: when adjusting the operating voltage it may be necessary to change the top fuse as indicated on the rear panel.  Fuses: Two fuses are fitted to the instrument.  FS1 is the primary fuse provided to give protection to the instrument and any accessories connected to the power out sockets.  FS2 is to protect the electronic circuitry in the PFP7.

Rear panel control  POWER IN: A three pin receptacle for the AC mains supply  POWER OUT: Two three pin sockets for flame photometer accessories such as  a compressor and a pen recorder.  The power from these sockets is controlled by the instrument power switch on the front panel.

Rear panel control  RECORDER: Two 4mm sockets which will provide an analogue signal of approximately 1 volt when the readout is 1000 digits or 100.0, and  FUEL GAS: 1/4” connector for fuel tubing.  IMPORTANT: Fuel supply must be regulated to inches water gauge  AIR: 5/16” connector for air tubing.  IMPORTANT: Air pressure on the inlet to the instrument

Rear panel showing the drain trap, air and fuel tubing

 Fit the air and fuel inlet connectors to the ports provided on the rear of the instrument 12,13.  Fit the appropriate lengths of tubing to the connectors (12 and 13) and secure with the screw clips provided. Run the tubing to the air and fuel supplies to be used.  NOTE: The maximum inlet pressure and regulation requirements are defined in the manual

 Turn on the fuel supply at the cylinder or source and check all fuel joints for leaks by using soap solution.  Check the position of the voltage selector switch (14) on the rear panel and the value of the fuse FS1.  If necessary, adjust to suit your supply voltage. If necessary connect a suitable plug to the 3-pin AC supply lead. Rear panel showing the drain trap, air and fuel tubing

 The colors of the wires conform to the internationally recognized standard such that: BROWN LIVE BLUE NEUTRAL GREEN/YELLOW EARTH (IMPORTANT – THE INSTRUMENT MUST BE EARTHED.)  The green/yellow wire in the AC supply must be connected to a properly grounded terminal.  If a compressor and/or pen recorder is to be run directly from the instrument then they should be wired to the plugs provided and connected to the POWER OUT sockets (15a and 15b). Rear panel showing the drain trap, air and fuel tubing

 Press the power switch on the front panel. The digital readout should be illuminated.  Fill the centre tube of the drain trap and the connecting silicon rubber tubing to the mixing chamber with de-ionised water.  Check that no air bubbles are trapped in this tube and that it flows and runs to waste freely. Ensure that the drain trap is pushed completely down on its clip.

Assembly of the mixing chamber, burner and nebuliser

 Take the mixing chamber assembly and ensure that the fluted burner (1) is in place (remove the retaining tape); offer up to the chimney.  Look down the chimney and ensure that the burner locates centrally in the inner chimney.  Screw the locking ring (2) onto the threaded boss provided and tighten until finger tight, ensuring that the mixing chamber is at right angles to the side of the instrument.  Fit the nebuliser (3) into the end cap and screw on the tube (4) provided. Ensure that the sealing olive is fitted correctly between the nebuliser and the screw on connector.

Assembly of the mixing chamber, burner and nebuliser  If natural gas is to be used, remove the restrictor (5) fitted into the end of the fuel inlet (6) on the mixing chamber.  The restrictor should remain in place if butane, propane or L.P.G. is to be used as fuel.  Keep the restrictor screw in case of any future change in gas supply. Push the fuel tubing onto the fuel inlet connector (7).  This tube does not need securing.

Assembly of the mixing chamber, burner and nebuliser  Take the drain trap clip (8) and, with the screw provided, fix to the hole situated at the chimney end of the rear panel.  Fix a length of silicon rubber tubing (9) onto the side port on the drain trap such that it is long enough to reach either the sink or the waste receptacle to be used.  Fit the drain trap into the clip on the rear panel and run the short piece of tubing (10) from the bottom of the drain trap to the drain trap outlet (11) on the bottom of the mixing chamber.  This tube can be pushed on and does not need securing.

Main chassis component locations 1. power supply PCB; 2. main PCB; 3. ignition spark generator module; 4. air regulator assembly; 5. fuel needle valve assembly

1. Filter wheel 2. Pin diode PCB mounting bracket

Power supply

Main PCB

Main PCB rear view